Czech cities could require taxi drivers to pass language tests under new bill

Taxi drivers in Prague and other Czech cities could be required to pass an exam in Czech or demonstrate knowledge of the local area under legislation approved by the Chamber of Deputies on Wednesday.

The measure would allow individual municipalities to introduce their own requirements through local ordinances. It would not automatically impose a nationwide language test, meaning the rules could vary between cities.

The amendment must still be considered by the Senate before it can become law. Transport Minister Ivan Bednárik supported the proposal, which was added to a broader government bill concerning access to public transport data.

The amendment was submitted by Prague-based ANO lawmakers Patrik Nacher and Robert Králíček. It passed with 92 votes from members of the governing coalition and the opposition Pirate Party.

Under the proposal, municipalities could require taxi drivers to demonstrate the level of Czech needed to perform their work. Alternatively, they could introduce an exam testing drivers’ knowledge of the area in which they operate.

Nacher emphasized that the legislation would only give municipalities the power to establish such conditions. Local politicians would decide whether an exam was necessary and what form it should take.

The sponsors argued that taxi driving has become a profession with virtually no qualification requirements since local-area tests were abolished in July 2020. They said the change had contributed to declining service quality and situations in which passengers were unable to communicate with drivers.

In their justification, the lawmakers specifically referred to foreign nationals from outside the EU who arrive in Czechia to work as taxi drivers despite having little knowledge of Czech or local traffic conditions.

Opponents warned that the measure could reduce competition and make taxi journeys more expensive. TOP 09 lawmaker Michal Kučera described it as anti-market regulation, while Benjamin Činčila of the Christian Democrats said it would restrict drivers without offering a clear benefit.

Ivan Adamec of the Civic Democrats questioned why an English-language exam was not also being considered, given the number of foreign visitors using taxis in Czechia.

Pirate leader Zdeněk Hřib proposed a separate amendment that would have allowed drivers to demonstrate knowledge of either Czech or English. Parliament did not vote on his version after approving the ANO proposal.

The wider bill is primarily intended to make more transport information publicly accessible through the national traffic information system managed by the Road and Motorway Directorate.

Police, firefighters and road authorities would be required to provide current information on closures and other traffic conditions. The system would gradually add details about road signs, parking areas and access to public transportation.

Information about train stations, platforms, bus stops, ports and airports would also be included, along with accessibility details and routes for passengers with reduced mobility.

Most provisions are expected to take effect at the end of 2026, while some data requirements would be introduced from late 2028.